There are great places in Thailand... Go to Bangkok and walk around at night... Sounds like a bad thing to do but it isn't just be careful, don't have anything like a watch or any gold chains showing and don't ware expensive clothes. At night on the streets you will find fabulous food and people to talk to. There are heaps of Back packers and tourists. On the Islands well they are all ok, best to go to a few to find one with less rubbish on the beach than a dump! lol it is not what the postcard says. The best part is the people that you will meet.
Last piece of advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do Not trust any Thai !!!!!!!!!!! They will take you for a ride!!!!!!!!! If they say something to you listen to what they say and try to work out the scam that they are trying to get you with... they have millions of tricks..... Never pay full price for anything . Offer 30% of what they are asking and work out the price from there.
Good luck, it is a great place people and country!